Draxler, who was part of Germany's World Cup winning squad this summer, is one of the hottest properties in world football and has previous attracted the attentions of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Arsenal baulked at the 20-year-old's £37m buy-out clause during the January transfer window, with manager Arsene Wenger unwilling to break the bank to bring him to the Emirates.

With such speculation over his future, Draxler admitted the huge price-tag weighed heavy upon his shoulders last season and believes his poor performances put off potential suitors.

"The [buy-out clause] stayed with me," he told Bild.

FORM: Draxler failed to find any consistency to his game last season [GETTY]

“I did not play like 20 clubs were ready to pay this sum for me last season”

Julian Draxler

"I did not play like 20 clubs were ready to pay this sum for me last season. I have to become attractive to big clubs again.

"Now I know what it's meant to be the bogeyman. After the derby loss to Dortmund, it felt like I was the only one who was blamed for it."

Draxler managed to score only two goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke during the 2013/14 campaign - a disappointing return from a player that netted 10 times in 30 matches a year before.

But the midfielder is hoping the new season will see him return to his best as he attempts to mastermind Schalke's title challenge.

"This season, 10 goals should be possible for me. If our squad stays together, we can compete for the top three places," he added.